Audi S5 Power Steering Vibration Points to Sensor Fault

I had a very similar issue with my 2020 Audi S4 last year, and as someone with moderate car repair experience, I can share what worked in my case. The steering sensor malfunction caused similar symptoms, heavy steering and vibrations. The electronic stability system warning light also came on intermittently. After multiple diagnostic scans, the workshop confirmed it was indeed a faulty steering angle sensor coding issue, not a mechanical problem with the steering column itself. The fix involved recalibrating and coding the automotive sensors, which took about 2 hours of labor. Total cost was 195 Euro, including diagnostic work. The steering has been perfect since the repair, with no recurring issues. Before suggesting specific solutions for your case, it would help to know: Are there any warning lights on your dashboard? Did the issue start suddenly or develop gradually? Have you had any recent work done on the suspension or steering components? What diagnostic codes came up in your scan? Getting this additional information would help determine if your S5 is experiencing the same sensor replacement needs or if there might be other factors involved.

Latest service was at 75000 KM, about 2 months ago. Got the traction control light on my dash now along with the steering warning. The issue started gradually over the past week, getting worse each day. No recent suspension work done. The diagnostic showed fault code P0578 related to the steering angle sensor calibration. The wheel alignment seems fine according to the initial check, but the steering column still feels off. Called a few shops and estimates range from 250 Euro to 400 Euro for a complete diagnosis and potential sensor replacement.

Thanks for those details. Your symptoms match my S4 case almost exactly. The gradual onset and the combination of steering and traction control warnings strongly suggests a steering angle sensor issue, just like what I experienced. The P0578 code is the same one my car showed, and it definitely links to the electronic stability system getting incorrect feedback from the angle sensor. While my initial repair cost was lower at 195 Euro, the current price range of 250-400 Euro you got quoted sounds reasonable considering parts costs have increased. One thing I learned from my experience: if your alignment problems persist after the sensor replacement, have them check the entire steering sensor network. In my case, they found slight calibration issues with other connected sensors after fixing the main angle sensor. This additional calibration was included in my original repair cost and completely resolved the heavy steering feeling. For reference, my repair included: Full diagnostic scan, Steering angle sensor replacement, Sensor calibration and coding, System testing Since starting temperatures affect electronic stability systems, try to note if the steering feels worse when the car is cold. This information could help the workshop diagnose the issue faster.

Thank you everyone for the input. After reviewing your experiences, particularly with the similar S4 case, I feel more confident about the repair path forward. The matching fault code P0578 and similar symptoms really help confirm what I'm dealing with. I will schedule the sensor replacement and calibration work with the shop that quoted 250 Euro, as they specialize in wheel alignment and automotive sensors. Their diagnostic approach seems most thorough, checking both the steering angle sensor and related stability control components. One question remains, should I request them to perform a complete steering column inspection while they are working on the sensor replacement? Given the gradual onset of the issues, I want to ensure no other components are contributing to the problem. Will report back after the repair with the final diagnosis and results for others who might face similar alignment problems in the future.